Disinfectant

Definition - What does Disinfectant mean?

A disinfectant is an antimicrobial agent used to kill microscopic organisms. There are various types of disinfectants such as air disinfectants, surface disinfectants, oxidizing agents, aldehydes, alcohols, phenolics and thymol-based disinfectants.

Corrosionpedia explains Disinfectant

Disinfectants may kill or mitigate the actions of microorganisms. Examples of disinfection include:

Adding chlorine to water

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Ozonation to remove pathogens from wastewater

Care should be taken while using disinfectants because some of them can cause metal corrosion or skin irritations. For example, disinfectants that contain electrolytes, alkalis, acids and hypochlorites can adversely affect metal parts and cause corrosion. Similarly, a disinfectant that contains an organic solvent can damage plastic materials.